Tattooing Requirements

Environmental Health

TTY users can contact us through Florida Relay by dialing 7-1-1 or one of the other Relay Toll Free Numbers.

INK LIFE TOUR ARTISTS:

A Guest Tattoo Artist Registration is only available to an artist who holds an active ARTIST license from another government jurisdiction outside of Florida, with documentation of completing a Florida Department of Health approved, industry-specific, bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course with a minimum examination score of 70%. Otherwise you will have to apply for a Florida Artist License.

Tattooing Regulations

Tattoo Establishment License

Licensure of the tattoo establishment requires submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Establishment License with the required $200.00 fee to the Health Department in Lee County. Tattoo establishments will be inspected by the same county health department staff who administers the biomedical waste and body piercing programs. An inspection with a passing result is required prior to issuance of a tattoo establishment license. A biomedical waste generator permit is also required for conventional and cosmetic tattoo (permanent make-up) businesses. Having anyone tattooing in your establishment that does not have an artist license subjects you to a fine and revocation of your tattoo establishment license.

Tattoo Artist License

Licensure of the tattoo artist requires submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Artist License with the required $60.00 fee; a copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years of age; and documentation of completing a Florida Department of Health approved, industry-specific, bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course with a minimum examination score of 70%. Courses which have received approval can be found on the Department's Education Courses for Tattoo Artist webpage. The tattoo artist application requires the artist to document the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working. A tattoo artist license may not be issued without this information.

Guest Tattoo Artist Registration

A guest tattoo artist registration is required for any tattoo artist who plans to tattoo in Florida and who also holds an active artist license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside Florida. A person wishing to register as a guest tattoo artist shall submit a completedApplication for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration, with the required $35.00 fee; a copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years of age; proof of an active license, registration, or certification in a jurisdiction outside Florida; and documentation of having completed a course on bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases with a score of at least 70% on the course examination.The guest tattoo artist application requires the artist to document the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working. A guest tattoo artist license may not be issued without this information.

Tattoo artists who are applying for a guest tattoo artist registration, and hold an active license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside of Florida and have completed an educational course and achieved a score of at least 70% on the examination required for licensure, registration, or certification in that jurisdiction, may submit the curriculum for such course and examination to the department for determination as to whether the course substantially meets or exceeds those requirements specified in section 64E-28.006, F.A.C. Should the department determine that the curriculum does not substantially meet or exceed these requirements, the tattoo artist will be required to complete a department-approved, industry-specific bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course will be required with a minimum passing examination score of 70%. A guest artist registration is valid for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days in Florida.

In addition to the previously stated tattoo licensure requirements, you should contact your city and county to find out if you will need a business tax receipt for your business.